In your group, discuss the following questions:
- What parts of the definitions resonated for you?
- What did not resonate for you?
- Is there any thing you would add or edit to the definitions?
- What examples can you use within the context of your work to further illustrate the definitions?
Decide on whether you’ll be defining these terms to establish formal organizational definitions or if you are simply engaging with this as a learning exercise. If you are defining them formally, have a clear process for how you will make decisions on establishing organizational definitions and how you will revise them in the face of on-going learning.
As you craft your definitions, remember the following:
- Don’t get stuck trying to figure out the correct acronym, but determine which elements are important for your organization given the nature of your work; this may include diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, access, justice, and more.
- Consider power dynamics in your definitions (e.g., diversity isn’t about all the differences between us, inclusion isn’t about including all, and equity isn’t about treating everyone equally)
- Be clear on whether your organization can engage in justice before adopting the “J” as part of your acronym
- Aim for simplicity and then provide some examples if it helps with context
